Empower Futures 2025: Building Brighter Tomorrows, Together

On June 5, 2025, Cardinality co-hosted the third annual Empower Futures evening alongside San Mar Family and Community Services at Potomac, Maryland. With support from Thiag (CEO, Cardinality.ai) and Kalyani Loganathan and a passionate community of changemakers, this year’s event reaffirmed our commitment to transforming lives—one story, one step at a time.

This year’s gathering continued the legacy of impact shaped by our previous events. Explore how Empower Futures has evolved since 2024 and 2023 , as we expand our reach and strengthen the partnerships driving this growing movement.

Guided by Cardinality’s mission to “Change a Billion Lives,” the evening focused on advancing San Mar’s important work supporting youth aging out of foster care. Funds raised during the event will help transform San Mar’s campus into safe, independent housing for young women preparing to transition into adulthood.

“Getting to Year 3 with San Mar is truly a blessing and a huge opportunity, especially with them being recognized by Governor Moore as part of the ENOUGH grant. We've got a real chance here to show communities nationwide how partnering with innovative impact visionaries like Keith can dramatically accelerate the number of lives we're able to improve.”

Thiag LoganathanCEO, Cardinality.ai

An Evening of Purpose, Passion, and Progress

Empower Futures 2025 welcomed a diverse and dedicated community of supporters, leaders, and advocates who share a deep commitment to improving lives through meaningful action. Guests gathered to support a cause and to help youth push past uncertainty and build brighter futures.

Coach Michael Locksley, Head Football Coach at the University of Maryland, joined the fundraiser as the Guest of Honor. With decades of experience and a long-standing dedication to nurturing talent, his journey—from winning the Broyles Award to leading Maryland’s resurgence—embodies resilience and leadership. His presence reminded us of the powerful impact mentorship and belief can have on someone’s path forward.

“As the Head Coach at the University of Maryland, I work closely with young adults between the ages of 18 and 22. I consider it both a responsibility and a privilege to help nurture their development and ensure their well-being. I deeply resonate with San Mar’s five core values—perseverance, teamwork, relationship-building, having fun, and focusing on strengths—as they align closely with the principles I instill in my team every day. I greatly appreciate the impactful work San Mar is doing to support children, families, and communities.”

Michael LocksleyHead Coach, University of Maryland (UMD) Football Team

Derrick Stephens, founder of Underdog Dreams and leader of Cardinality’s Train & Hire program, was welcomed to share his powerful story shaped by personal experiences in the child welfare system. As both a kinship caregiver and advocate, his words offered a moving reminder of the incredible possibilities that unfold when people are supported, believed in, and given the chance to thrive.

“Being part of the San Mar event reminded me that true transformation happens when communities listen deeply and lead intentionally. When we align our platform, position, power, and proximity, we amplify those too often unheard. As someone shaped by the foster care system and now walking alongside others as a kinship caregiver, I carry the responsibility to speak for At-Promise youth and families with both reverence and resolve.”

Derrick Stephens Solutions Engineer, CCWIS SME, Cardinality.ai
Founder, Underdog Dreams

The Impact in Motion

Through the generosity of every guest and supporter, lives are being touched through Empower Futures 2025. San Mar’s mission to provide safe housing, steady mentorship, and essential life-skills coaching for young women transitioning from foster or group care is being carried forward with new momentum.

A vibrant silent auction added energy and excitement to the evening. One-of-a-kind experiences and unique treasures were offered, inspiring enthusiastic bidding. Luxury getaways, fine jewelry, unforgettable culinary adventures, and cherished Maryland Terrapins memorabilia—including a game helmet signed by Coach Michael Locksley and tickets to the home opener against FAU were all claimed by generous supporters.

With every winning bid and every act of giving, doors are being opened. New beginnings are being made possible. And brighter futures are being built—one courageous youth at a time.

Voices of Gratitude and Hope

"It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of the support system for this amazing organization over the years. Each year the Loganathan family finds ways to engage more community members and educate them about the strong history and the future of this program. I learn more and more each year and am happy to provide continuous support to this cause that has such a positive impact on so many children and their families."

Jay Sunny BajajCEO, DigiCap, LLC

“The Empower Futures event is something I look forward to every year. Great people gathering to support a great cause is always a winning combination! What I appreciate most is how relationships have been developed over the years so that it's no longer just a one-night experience, but a growing partnership. It's clear that we all care about making a lasting, positive impact for the kids and families San Mar serves. The event is a way to galvanize that support and celebrate our collective impact. We are so grateful to Cardinality for hosting this amazing event!”

Elisa Mabina, CFREDirector of Development, San Mar Family and Community Services

“San Mar’s mission resonates closely with our values—fostering resilience, nurturing potential, and building stronger, more connected communities. Through programs such as Treatment Foster Care, the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being, and the Bester Community of Hope, San Mar offers critical mental health services, family support, and community development initiatives that transform lives.

It was a powerful and inspiring gathering that re-affirmed our shared commitment to drive purposeful social impact and uplift the communities we serve. This aligns seamlessly with our Infosys Public Services Impact charter, which goes beyond traditional CSR—it's our pledge to create lasting change while reinforcing Infosys Public Services’ role as a trusted partner in the public sector. By focusing on causes that reflect our expertise and values, we’re building a more resilient and inclusive future together.”

Lax GopisettyCEO, Infosys Public Services

Continuing the Journey with San Mar

San Mar’s ongoing work includes:

• Specialized Foster Care: Providing trauma-informed, personalized care for youth. San Mar partners with foster families to offer stable, supportive homes where children can heal, grow, and work toward adoption or reunification.
• Community Alliances: Collaborating with public and private partners to create safe, nurturing neighborhoods. Through place-based programs, San Mar strengthens local connections and supports families directly in their communities.
• Mental Health Services: Offering accessible, compassionate care through the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being. Services include counseling, recovery support, and emotional care to help individuals and families build resilience.
• 2025–2026 Focus: Renovating the South County campus to create 15 independent living apartments for young women transitioning out of foster care. The project includes life skills training, on-site case management, and continued investment in South Hagerstown through the ENOUGH Grant, focusing on prevention, education, and neighborhood support.

“This was the best event we've been a part of with Cardinality, with amazing speakers and great participation from the community. The commitment of the Loganathan family, their organization, and partners to improve the lives of children, families, and communities makes all the difference in this difficult work we pursue every day.”

Keith FanjoyCEO, San Mar Family and Community Services

A Heartfelt Thank You

Empower Futures 2025 was more than just an event—it was a shared commitment to creating brighter futures for young women transitioning out of foster care.

We are truly grateful to everyone who attended, contributed their time and resources, and helped make this experience meaningful. Your presence, energy, and generosity fueled a space of connection, hope, and empowerment.

A special thank you to our sponsors—Cardinality.ai, DIGICAP, RKPT, eWorld Enterprise Solutions, Rockville Metals, Maximus, Goldman Edwards, ReFrame Solutions, Cyquent, Infosys, and Nishtech—for your invaluable support in making this event possible. Your partnership played a critical role in bringing this vision to life and advancing our shared mission.

“It takes a village to raise a child. Your Kindness, compassion, and the power to give have helped a child feel safe and loved. Thank you for showing up and being part of that village.”

Kalyani LoganathanBoard Member, San Mar Family and Community Services

Together, we are not just imagining a better future—we are building it.